SC orders CBI probe into Sushant Singh Rajput death's case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday accorded its approval to the ongoing CBI probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in Mumbai on June 14, saying "a fair, competent and impartial investigation is the need of the hour."

A single-judge bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy said, Rajput was a talented actor in the Mumbai film world and died well before his full potential could be realised. His family, friends and admirers are keenly awaiting the outcome of the investigation so that all the speculations floating around can be put to rest.

In order to "ensure public confidence" in the investigation and to do complete justice, the court used its plenary power under Article 142 of the Constitution to accord approval for the ongoing CBI investigation.

It said this would ensure "a measure of justice for the complainant, (Sushant's father K K Singh) who lost his only son" and for actor Rhea Chakraborty, Sushant's live-in partner.

"For her too, it will be the desired justice as she herself called for a CBI investigation," the court pointed out.

The dissemination of facts through unbiased investigation would certainly result in justice for the innocents, who might be the target of the vilification campaign, the court said, in an allusion to speculation in social media on the role of important functionaries in the case.

The court held the Bihar government's recommendation for a CBI probe into an FIR lodged with the Patna police by the actor's father on July 25, was "lawful".

The court directed the CBI to investigate any new case, if registered, on the death of the actor and the surrounding circumstances.

"As the CBI has commenced its investigation, uncertainty and confusion must be avoided in the event of Mumbai Police also deciding to simultaneously investigate the cognizable offence, based on their finding in the inquiry proceeding," the bench said.

Ending days of bickering between Bihar and Maharashtra police on the issue of jurisdiction, the court said the FIR lodged by the Patna police was valid.

The court pointed out the Mumbai police so far conducted inquiry into the matter and did not register any FIR.

"The Patna police committed no illegality in registering the complaint. Looking at the nature of the allegations, which also relate to misappropriation and breach of trust, the exercise of jurisdiction by the Bihar Police appears to be in order," the court said.

The court rejected a plea by Rhea, to transfer the Patna FIR to Mumbai as the alleged offence took place in Mumbai.

"At the stage of investigation, they were not required to transfer the FIR to Mumbai police," the court said.

"For the same reason, the Bihar government was competent to give consent for entrustment of investigation to the CBI and as such the ongoing investigation by the CBI is held to be lawful," the bench added.

Singh had accused Rhea of cheating, extortion, illegal confinement and swindling off his son's money.